The hot, dry weather has led communities throughout the area to issue burn bans, and that means scaled-back celebrations for a lot of people and a drop in business for some.

Out at parks and picnic areas like Naga-Waukee County Park in Waukesha County, the concern for a lot of people Wednesday was to try to stay cool in the hot weather, but the real concern for local officials is the dry grass and what might happen with just a stray spark.

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With burn bans in most communities, grilling is OK, but other open flames are not, and that means a change in plans for those accustomed to celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks or sparklers.

"No, you know the grass is all dried so we can't do it," picnicker Sergio Meza said.

The burn bans are also putting a dent in business for local fireworks retailers, such as a roadside stand in Big Bend.

"I believe that because of the dryness, people are thinking twice," fireworks salesman Jim Campbell said.

The Baugh family wanted fireworks to take across the border to Illinois. They were buying, but not as much as usual.

"Did you scale it back this year?" 12 News reporter Kent Wainscott asked.

"Oh, absolutely, absolutely. Last year we went to Indiana and got all the good mortars and stuff and went to a friend's house and had a really good time. But this year it's just too dangerous," Charles Baugh said.

"It was a lot funner last year though, since things went up in the air," Ariella Baugh said.

The severe drought means a scaled-back celebration and fewer fireworks all around.

"We do it all the time, but since it's so hot. I wish it would rain, I need some rain," Meza said.

So while the grills stay hot, burn bans stay in place, and fireworks and sparklers stay on the shelf in most local communities -- as fire safety is a top concern this Fourth of July.